Emergency crews from multiple jurisdictions battled a large, aggressive fire at a residential construction site east of Calgary on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which drew a significant response, occurred in the community of Conrich.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
Rocky View County (RVC) Fire Services were first dispatched to the scene of a structure fire in the Cambridge area of Conrich at 3:10 p.m. on January 15, 2025. The Calgary Fire Department had already received a request for mutual aid support approximately half an hour earlier, at around 2:40 p.m.
Firefighters from RVC, Calgary, and Chestermere worked collaboratively at the scene. Their primary objectives were to contain the rapidly spreading flames and protect nearby exposures from catching fire.
All Residents Safe, Fire Brought Under Control
By 3:25 p.m., crews on scene confirmed a critical piece of positive news: all residents had been safely evacuated from the area. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.
The fire originated in a home that was actively under construction. The combination of building materials and an unfinished structure can often allow fires to spread quickly. Despite the challenges, firefighters made significant progress.
By 3:55 p.m., RVC fire officials declared the blaze under control. Crews remained on scene for an extended period to fully extinguish the fire and manage hot spots. Authorities asked members of the public to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles unhindered access.
Fire Advisory Issued for Rocky View County
In the wake of the fire, and due to prevailing environmental conditions, Rocky View County issued a fire advisory for both east and west portions of the county. The advisory indicates a moderate fire risk.
Under this advisory:
- No new fire permits will be issued.
- All existing burning and firework permits are suspended.
- Open burning is banned with only a few select exceptions.
The county stated the advisory will remain in place as long as the dry, risky conditions persist. Officials warned they are monitoring the situation closely and will upgrade to a full fire ban if conditions deteriorate. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution with any allowable burning and to visit the county website at www.rockyview.ca for a full list of restrictions and more information.
